Some groups will transition from the desktop (A3) version of M365 to the online (A1) version, which offers access to M365 apps online and via mobile. Exceptions to this transition may incur additional costs for faculties or departments, details to come. There will be no change to Emeriti who will continue to receive an email-only license.
Your M365 package depends on your official role at UBC, as defined in Workday. For clarity on how your role is defined, consult the UBC Affiliation Definitions document.
| UBC Affiliation | M365 Package |
|---|---|
| Clerical, secretarial, clinical, and library support staff and other roles where computer work is required. For a more detailed list see document linked above. | A3 - Desktop* |
| Full-time and part-time faculty, salaried visiting faculty, research associates, and student employees | A3 - Desktop* |
| Students and graduate students | A3 - Students |
| Non-salaried clinical faculty, and service workers that do not require extensive use of a computer | A1 - Online |
| Emeriti (without post-retirement appointment) | Email-Only |
| Guests and contingent workers | TBD Later in 2025 |
* The Microsoft 365 (M365) desktop apps aren’t available for faculty and staff yet.
* UBC-managed computers currently run the Microsoft Office desktop suite via volume licensing.
* The M365 desktop suite will be rolled out to UBC-managed devices at a later date.
* The Office suite installed on UBC-managed computers can’t be downloaded to personal devices.
* For personal use, see Microsoft’s Workplace Discount Program
Please Note: ‘M365’ refers to the newer Microsoft tools suite, while ‘Microsoft Office’ refers to the traditional desktop suite of tools. The M365 desktop version will be available on UBC-managed devices at a later date.
| Service | A1 | A3 | Student Employees | A3-Students |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | ||||
 | ||||
 | ||||
 | ||||
 | ||||
 | ||||
 | ||||
 |
As part of UBC’s license, Microsoft offers the Workplace Discount Program to UBC faculty and staff using your UBC email. It enables UBC staff and faculty to purchase premium, up-to-date Microsoft 365 Family and Personal subscriptions at a substantially discounted rate for use on your personal devices. The discounted rate continues even after you leave UBC so long as you maintain your subscription.
Visit the Microsoft Discount Program page to take advantage of this discount: Microsoft Workplace Discount Program (formerly Home Use Program) - Microsoft Store
For additional questions or support with your M365 license, please contact the UBC IT Help Desk.
Page last updated on September 9, 2025
